Arroyo Vista
Academic Theme Houses For 2012-2013
Continuing Students
New Transfer Students
ALL FULL THEME HOUSE DESCRIPTIONS
Biology Haus
The Biology Haus combines students interested in all areas of Biological Sciences. Residents living in this house are exposed to the various dimensions of the biological sciences and are encouraged to participate in symposiums, workshops, and activities occurring both on and off campus. Biology faculty, participate in house activities. Biology majors and students who show an active interest in the biological sciences are encouraged to apply. Priority consideration will be given to students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Campuswide Honors Program Houses
All residents are members of the Campuswide Honors Program. Although they represent a cross section of all majors, they share a common honors curriculum and thus a common educational experience that binds them uniquely together. Honors students bring their vitality, creativity, and dedication to learning to this community, sharing activities which explore their widely divergent interests, foster intellectual growth and discussion, develop student/faculty contacts, and challenge them to broaden their horizons. Active standing CHP students with a GPA appropriate to their class level may apply for the house.
Careers in Teaching House
The Careers in Teaching theme house is for undergraduates who are interested in becoming K-12th grade teachers. Residents will take part in quarterly programming, such as advisement sessions on the pathway to teaching, workshops with local teachers, and discussion forums with faculty. House members will also be responsible for completing a two quarter group project related to K-12 education. All majors are encouraged to apply.
Casa Cesar Chavez - Chicano/Latino Studies House
Casa César Chávez, sponsored by the Department of Chicano/Latino Studies, provides its residents with a variety of educational, social, and cultural activities. The house supports the objectives of UCI's Department of Chicano/Latino Studies through faculty-student socials, lectures, poetry readings, and films. One of the primary objectives of Casa César Chávez is to assist in the recruitment and retention of Chicano and Latino students at the University. Residents are expected to participate in house events and engage in quarterly community service projects. The house is not restricted to majors or minors in Chicano/Latino Studies. For additional information, please visit our website at
http://www.socsci.uci.edu/casachavez/
Chemistry House
Students in all fields of chemistry are encouraged to apply. The House goals are to increase communication amongst chemistry students, faculty, and the residents. The House fosters a multi-disciplinary research and study environment. The Chemistry House sponsors student/faculty mixers, barbecues, field trips, and guest speakers. Preference will be given to applicants with a minimum 3.0 GPA, and having declared a major in Chemistry or a closely allied field.
Culinary House
A Culinary Arts Thematic House in Arroyo Vista is the first step in advancing Culinary Arts on the campus of UCI by communicating the "art of food" through its residents. The members of the Culinary House strive to have a pleasant community living environment focused on nutrition and sustainability. Members of the house will explore various culinary genres and traditions, while learning about kitchen safety and cleanliness, food purchasing, storage, and safe handling of foods from local market places. Residents will understand that the best food can taste delicious, be healthy for you and be made with sustainability in mind.
Ele Si Rosa Parks - African American Studies
The African American Studies House brings together undergraduates who share an interest in the study of African American history and culture. Students and advisors plan activities that coordinate with formal study in these areas. Some activities will involve student/faculty interaction and guests who are leaders in the African-American community. Residents are encouraged to enroll in one of the core Introduction to African American Studies courses (AfAm 40A, 40B and 40C) prior to moving into or while residing in the house. Priority will be given to those students who are pursuing a major or minor in African American Studies.
Engineering Design House
The Engineering House is geared towards students majoring in Engineering or who have a strong interest in any of the fields of Engineering. The Engineering house provides students with both academic and social development and support. Activities may include in-house faculty visits, review sessions, and academic advising as well as recreational events, field trips, and various social gatherings. Students will be encouraged to get involved with various aspects of the Engineering program. Some of these include research, Engineering student organizations, /participation in Engineering Week activities, and volunteering with the MESA program. Strong emphasis will be placed on the academic success of each resident.
Humanities House
The Humanities House provides an intellectual and social environment for students of the Humanities. This residence is for students who are interested in learning about humans and how people from various cultures have expressed themselves across the ages in literature, film, art, etc. Humanities House provides the opportunity for students with similar interests and educational goals to communicate and share ideas. Residents will participate in faculty dinners, film screenings, international events and other program activities. Priority consideration is given to Humanities majors who have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Information and Computer Science House
This house is geared toward students who are pursuing a major or minor offered under the Bren School of ICS, or who simply have a strong interest in the various fields of information and computer science.
International Peace and Conflict Studies House
The IPACS House - sponsored by the International Studies major and Conflict Resolution minor - brings together students interested in international affairs, global politics and peace studies. Residents help plan and attend various activities such as faculty speakers, films, social gatherings, and community service. Residents are also encouraged to attend on-campus activities such as the International Studies Public Forum (ISPF) and the Olive Tree Initiative events. Living in the IPACS House provides a great opportunity for students to engage with a community of students, faculty, campus organizations and academics working on international issues. Priority consideration will be given to International Studies majors and Conflict Resolution minors. For more information, please visit the International Studies website at
http://internationalstudies.ss.uci.edu/is_ipacs/.
International Village
The International Village is a living-learning opportunity (located in the Arroyo Vista theme house community) for students who want to increase their knowledge and understanding of different cultures, share international perspectives, and build friendships with students from around the world. Half of the residents in the International Village are international students and half are students from the U.S. The Village offers a wide variety of cross-cultural activities and learning experiences, including special dinners, culture nights, holiday festivities, study abroad interest sessions, intramural sports, and specialized academic course offerings. Residents are expected to be actively involved in the community and participate in programs and activities. This community includes primarily undergraduate students, but may be open to a limited number of graduate students who are visiting UCI through an EAP/Reciprocity program.
Kaleidoscope House - The Arts/ Women's Studies
Kaleidoscope House provides a rich context in which art history, dance, drama, music, studio art, and women's studies students can live and work together. It is a staging area for performances, art exhibitions, lectures, and seminars related to the Arts. Activities may include trips to plays, concerts, and much more. A minimum GPA of 2.5 is required, and active participation in house activities is strongly recommended. Students with an open mind and willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
Social Ecology House
The Social Ecology House brings together students majoring in Criminology, Law and Society, Psychology and Social Behavior, Urban Studies, and Social Ecology. A major theme will be the research emphasis of various faculty in these majors. Quarterly gatherings with Social Ecology faculty, graduate students, honors seminar students, field study interns, and community members will highlight the policy relevance of their research. Priority consideration is given to majors in the School of Social Ecology and to students who have a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Spectrum House
The Spectrum House is a unique community that celebrates and affirm the cultural experiences for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer, and questioning students and their allies through programming, community development, an increased visibility of LGBT students & issues, and providing a safe space for LGBT students and their allies. Focusing on creating an inclusive and welcoming campus environment for students of all sexual orientations and gender identities, the Spectrum House promotes the understanding about sexual orientation, gender, and other aspects of diversity to enhance students' leadership skills, personal development, and multicultural awareness. Residents who choose to live in the house will be asked to complete Safe Zone training, attend at least one LGBTRC/Spectrum program each quarter, and be an active, positive member of the house.
Student Life and Leadership House
The Student Life and Leadership House, sponsored by the Office of the Dean of Students, provide residents an opportunity to learn first hand about the various leadership and co-curricular involvement opportunities that UCI has to offer. Residents will be required to participate in various leadership opportunities, community service projects, campus organization events, and selected workshops sponsored by the Volunteer Center, Cross Cultural Center, Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender Resource Center, Disability Services, Campus Organizations, New Student Programs and Leadership Development.
Transfer House
The activities and programs offered in the Transfer Houses focus on helping students adjust to life at the University while making connections with Faculty, academic counselors, and the wide array of programs and services available to UCI students. The Arroyo Vista Staff works closely with the House Assistants to provide for the unique needs and interests of transfer resident students.
